Detection of Tumor-Related Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients by Sequencing Circulating Cell-Free DNA

Tumor-related mutations are clinically relevant for early diagnosis, targeted therapy as well as for monitoring tumor heterogeneity, metastasis and drug response [1-3]. Circulating cell-free DNA from liquid biopsies are biomarkers useful for early diagnosis, predicting disease progression, and personalized treatment [4,5]. cfDNA analysis is non-invasive and overcomes the limitations of tissue biopsy and tumor heterogeneity [6]. However, cfDNA-based detection is challenging in HCC because of low circulating cfDNA levels, poorly characterized genetic alterations and a high degree of tumor heterogeneity.